The Giraffe Manor stands as one of the most emblematic structures in Nairobi, marked by its unique charm, scenic appeal, and its historical significance akin to the vines spreading across its masonry.
Located on 12 acres of private land in 140 acres of indigenous forest in the Langata suburb of Nairobi and with beautiful green gardens, the sunny terraces and delightful courtyards bring one back to 1930s when European visitors evolving on East Africa safaris. It is colonial era mansion as that of the colonial period.
The architectural design of this building with its bush-hammered masonry façade and interiors make this house stand out in the most sensational way. Guests remark that it’s like walking into the film Out of Africa: actually, one of the six suites of the hotel is named after the author, Karen Blixen.
Giraffe Manor is only 20 kilometers away from Kenya’s bustling capital city, Nairobi. This city is a fantastic blend of modernity and experience and vivid creatures. From the 8 lane superhighways to a national park at its periphery, Nairobi city harbors just what a modern African city does. International visitors now incorporate the Giraffe Manor into their itinerary of their East African Safari, and are now returning guests whom we consider friends.
The manor is aesthetically pleasing, the décor is outstanding as is the bedrooms and the fireplaces. The main exhibit of the Manor includes the Rothschild Giraffes that freely walk at the territory and often stick their cute spotted heads through a window. Wildlife at the doorstep.
This manor boasts of a giraffe sanctuary right on its doorstep. Inside, it's adorned with paintings and photograph of the valued wildlife. Even the color schemes you can see does not deviate too much from what is observed in the natural environment, the shades of warm savannah grassland.
The interiors retain the original conservation to the designs of 1932 and Oakwood finishing resulting from neo classical architectural style of the period. The Oakwood creates an interesting difference with the white colored paint used on the walls. This may also be attributed to the neo-classical period and include arches on openings.
The small five-star hotel is located on a private landscape of 12 acres embedded on the crests of acres of indigenous forest that hosts a Giraffe Centre established for the endangered wildlife. It was initially established to encourage breeding of the endangered species but has grown into research, education for Kenyan school children and they house warthogs, hyenas and sometimes leopard to keep the Giraffe company.
A wonderful initiative for African wildlife especially if one considers that all the income earned by the said hotel is ploughed back to support the African Wildlife Fund for endangered species.
It boasts of one of the best restaurants in Nairobi; whether you are a tourist, you might stand biased since the incredible breakfast is served alongside company of friendly giraffes peeping through the windows. They will casually walk around the property looking through doors and windows in sheer natural curiosity and congeniality.
It is the only place in the world where you can feed a giraffe from your second-floor bedroom window, at the lunch table or literally at your front door.
In 1983, Rick Anderson, Betty’s son from her first marriage, and his wife Bryony moved into the Manor, and a year later, they opened the Manor as a small, privately-owned licenced hotel whereby guests could feed the giraffes from the breakfast table through the front door, and from the bedroom window.
This has six bedrooms and one with furniture that belonged to Karen Blixen. In March 2009, the Manor was bought by Mikey and Tanya Carr-Hartley and is part of the group of lodges and hotels that are under the Tamimi.
The acreage of the Manor and giraffe sanctuary makes a total of 115 acres (47 hectares) and is managed by the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife which was founded by Jock Leslie-Melville in 1972. All profits from the hotel go to furthering the charitable objectives of AFEW.
The wildlife and beauty of nature is the selling point of Giraffe Manor, along with gorgeous bedrooms in which to snooze in… but since it’s only 13 miles outside Nairobi, it’s an excellent location to use as a home base from which to tour the city. Of course the catch is its price, which can cost a whooping 500 dollars per night. If you ever have the pleasure and honor to get yourself a stay at the Giraffe Manor ensure you get a second floor room with a balcony. You can’t be grumpy in the morning with a giraffe greeting.
Interested in seeing more of what Nairobi’s architecture has to offer? Be sure to read more about the Nairobi Railway Station By Atkins in our related project spotlight.
Project Information
Architect: Sir David Duncan
Location: Karen - Nairobi, Kenya
Construction: 1932
Current Owners: Mikey and Tanya Carr-Hartley
Photography: Giraffe Manor, Unique-hotels.blogspot.com
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